The 61st edition of the Cairo Salon opened its doors on September 21, 2025, at the Palace of Arts on the Cairo Opera House grounds, reasserting its place as one of the Arab world’s most prestigious visual arts events. For over a century, the salon has served as a pivotal showcase for Egypt’s creative spirit, and this year’s edition lives up to its formidable legacy.
Organized by the Society of Fine Arts Lovers in cooperation with the Fine Arts Sector of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the exhibition continues to offer a vital platform for both established and emerging artists, with hundreds of artworks spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media installations.
A Century-Old Cultural Beacon
The Cairo Salon’s enduring legacy can be traced back to 1921, when its inaugural exhibition was launched under the honorary presidency of Prince Youssef Kamal, a key figure in Egypt’s modern art movement and the founder of the country’s first School of Fine Arts in 1908.
That first edition was a landmark moment, featuring iconic figures such as Mahmoud Mokhtar, Mahmoud Saeed, Mohamed Nagy, Ragheb Ayad, and Yusuf Kamel—names that would go on to define Egyptian art in the 20th century. The event was opened by nationalist leader Saad Zaghloul, signaling a powerful union between cultural and political awakening in post-colonial Egypt.
In subsequent years, the salon attracted patronage from members of Egypt’s royal family, including Princess Samiha Hussein, and played a pivotal role in institutionalizing Egypt’s visual arts scene.
Artistic Diversity on Display
This year’s edition brings together a couple of hundred works, filling the exhibition halls of the Palace of Arts with a wide array of styles, materials, and voices. From classical oil paintings and abstract explorations to cutting-edge conceptual installations, the 61st Cairo Salon celebrates both continuity and innovation in the Egyptian art world.
While honoring the past, the salon also positions itself as a forward-looking platform, offering younger artists the opportunity to present their works alongside established names. The curatorial direction emphasizes artistic freedom, cultural identity, and social commentary, reflecting both the complexities and aspirations of contemporary Egyptian society.
A National Treasure with Global Relevance
As Egypt navigates a new cultural and economic era, the Cairo Salon continues to serve as a mirror of national identity, and an important site of artistic diplomacy in the region. Its longevity — unmatched by most art biennials or fairs globally — is a testament to Egypt’s enduring role as a cultural leader in the Arab world.
Last year’s milestone edition celebrated “100 Years of Creativity,” a fitting tribute to the salon’s founding ethos and artistic evolution. This year’s theme, “Adventurers in Fine Arts,” suggests a continued spirit of experimentation and boldness.
Visitor Information
The 61st Cairo Salon runs daily through October 15, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, excluding Fridays and official holidays. Entry is free, and the exhibition is open to the public.
For art lovers, students, historians, and collectors, the Cairo Salon offers an unmissable glimpse into Egypt’s visual narrative — past, present, and future.
